n get up something for ourselves!"

"What _do_ you mean?" she asked.

"Come on over to the big lodge, and I'll tell you. We'll have fun
enough. You'll see!"

CHAPTER VI

THE SEA KING'S NYMPHS

Everyone, everything was ready for the grand carnival and pageant.

The children were more than ready. They were eager.

Their costumes were completed, and they knew exactly how they were
expected to pose, so that each should do her part to make the
procession beautiful.

Even the sun seemed intent upon doing his share, and as he rose from
the water, appeared to be smiling upon sea and land.

At the far end of the beach was a huge canvas tent, and all of the
"trappings," or "properties" were stored beneath its shelter. From
this tent the procession would start, and pass along the beach, where
hundreds of spectators would be watching from the tiers of seats that
had been erected along the route.

Princess Polly, Rose, and Sprite stood waiting to take their places.

"What do you suppose Gwen and Max meant?" Polly asked.

"When they said they'd get up something of their own?" said Rose.

"Why, yes," Polly said. "Don't you remember how they spoke?"

"Oh, yes, I know," Rose replied, "but Gwen and Max often say they'll
do things, and then they don't do at all as they say they will. They
speak like that when they're provoked, and then they forget all about
it."

"Do you know," Sprite said, "I think this time they'll remember what
they said, and I'm just wondering what they will do."

A trumpet called the children to order, and soon all was bustle and
excitement.

Then when all were ready, the long line of lovely children attired in
rainbow hues, with here and there an adult figure to add dignity to
the pageant, slowly made its way along the beach, receiving cheers and
applause from the delighted on-lookers.

First came a group of thirty of the village children, dressed as water
sprites, and blowing on soft-toned silver horns.

Their tunics were pale rose, and their cheeks were as pink as their
draperies.

Gilded sandals were on their feet, and they blew their silvery notes
with a will.

Following the water sprites, came a troop of small boys tripping
along, and dressed as little mermen, their green scales glittering in
the warm sunlight, their caps of braided seaweed bordered with tiny
scallop shells.

They carried triangles, and gaily they marked the time, laughing as
they tramped along.

There we